U-handblog

...and the winner of the book cover vote is...

Hey, thank you so much for you super-duper helpful feed back on the mock book covers. We have read through every single one.  My publisher and I were blown away by the level of detail you gave in your feedback - sooo useful.  As ever, the customer is always right! 

The book designing team are now re-creating some book covers based on your comments (I'll try and show you the re-worked covers if I can).  I find that exciting and it also makes so much sense!  After all, it doesn't matter a jot if my publisher and I like the cover if you folks don't.

I also want to thank you for your for very kind comments on the new book.  It's really been a joint effort; lots of you told me what projects you fancied (and you even specified bag features), the publisher has pulled out the stops in making it look great and I just stayed in all Summer tried to write and design projects that you like the look of.  :)

So, for the vote I promised there would be a commenter (drawn at random) who would win some bag making goodies. 

The trusty RNG stopped on:

Number 53.

Which means that Purpleali who said:

"I like number 3 the best. It looks fresh and exciting. It also shows off 3 very different designs of bag. The only bit I wasn't too keen on was the backgroung in the top left hand corner where your name was - I wasn't very sure about the green colour, maybe a lighter green would be better."

Congrats Purpleali, will you please get in touch with me (for my email address please click on the ABOUT at top right hand corner of blog) so we can arrange getting the good gear sent to you.

Mock-up covers for my new book. Please vote (and win).

Hello Loves!

How lucky is this author?  So I get to write about something that I'm obsessed with, someone takes some yummy photos and then a team puts all of the words and piccies together into a nice sprial-bound book.  And best of all, you lovely readers seem to like the results. Hoo hoo! 

I've been sent some book cover ideas to comment on and approve.  My publisher has asked me to ask you discerning crafters to get invloved and give us your esteemed feedback.  How fun is that (and how often does the reader get to have a say on the cover)??!

So yeah, there are 5 different book covers to peruse.  Lets say the cover at the top is number 1 and the bottom cover is number 5.  If you could please have a look, vote and comment on the covers as instructed in the contest details below - your comments might win you some bag making goodies!  Thanks for taking part!

Up for grabs is:

• this tasty leather shoulder handle
• these pretty bamboo bag handles
• this yummy bobble trim

 

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Contest Details (please read carefully):

1 commenter/winner will be drawn at random. The draw is open to everyone.  If winner is overseas I will mark the package as a 'gift' so there will be no customs to pay. 

To enter you need to is comment on THIS PARTICULAR POST by:

1. Voting on your fave cover - remember to state which number cover: 1- 5
   
2. Comment on why it is your fave cover
3. Include any other comments: change of colours etc.

 

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly select 1 winner: 16th Jan and announce them the following day-ish.  Good luck! 
2. I'll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
3. Sorry I can't notify winners, so please keep an eye for the winner announcement.  This is made easier for you if you subscribe to this blog so you don't have to keep checking back, although it's always great to have you pop-in for a read :0)
4. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
5. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

...and the winner of the Sewing Patterns and Craft Mags is...

Thanks for your entries to the latest crafty loot giveaway.  I loved seeing what you're up to craftwise. It's obvious that craft is an integral part of your lives - which is great because it must mean that I'm 'normal' too!  Haha!  I can see lots of BMB bag pics on the horizon - I'm looking forward to getting them because I'm setting up a baggy gallery in which to 'hang' them in.

 

Up for grabs was patterns and mags - wish I had time to enjoy 'em!

 

 So the winning number of randomness is:

...numero 16!!!

Which means that Alexandra who said:

"I have a party dress planned for September, a couple of tops for August, and some bags as gifts for the next few weeks. And toys and clothes for my kids for the rest of the year, of course"

 

Congrats Alexandra, will you please get in touch with me (for may emaila ddress please click on the ABOUT at top right hand corner of blog) so we can arrange getting the good stuff sent to you.

Sewing Patterns and Craft Mags Giveaway!

Wooo! I'm feeling sooo good right now. I've just handed in a big chunk of writing to my editor. This means I can have a guilt free rest day - before I get back on with the rest of that book.  What shall I do?  Go bungy jumping, salsa dancing, take in theatre show, or have a slap up meal with Al?  Nah, I think I fancy: walking Beans on the sea front, sewing something for fun, watching a movie on telly and then nomming ribs and salad for tea - awww right!

I have to say; I love so much that you have still continued to say hi in emails and on the sosh media.  I really appreciate the link love that you're sharing too - even though I've not been blogging as much you're still out there keeping tabs and that's very touching. Thank you.

So, before I pop out of the house with Beanie I wanted to post this give-away, becuase: it's been a long time since we had one, it helps keep my craft gear in order and therefore it'll go to a more deserving home than mine.

**Oh, before I post my own give-away do pop over to the ace Fat Quarterly blog where Kate had made a reviewed my Easy Peasy Purse Kit and she's giving one away!

   

This purse kit is up for grabs on the Fat Quarterly blog.

 

 

Right back to my give-away. Here's what crafty contraband we got comin' your way...

Firstly we have sewing and knitting mags all with yummy and quality projects and a decent level of technical information.  They all 2011 issues.

The pattern and instructions are included for this cute skirt - if I had the time I'd love to whip up one of these! Inside sewing World mag.

Same can be said for this sweet halterneck/waistcoat...  Inside sewing World mag.

Cute socks aplenty!  I can't knit (or crochet) for toffee so let's not even go there! From Knitting Magazine.  All the following project pics have instructions included to make 'em...

So so gorgeous!!!! (not sure about the boy jumper, but look at the girl and her top what a cutie!)

And we also have some brand new sewing pattern-age goodness. The 3 patterns above are by Cheryl Kuczek of Paradiso Designs. This lady knows her shapes!  Check out her site for more patterns and lots of free tutes too!

 

It might be summer, but that don't mean nuthin to the rainclouds (which is why Amy B's raincoat will deffo come in handy!)  This Carpet bag pattern is one of our best sellers (it'll be back in stock V soon) - when teamed with a bag frame it makes the most adorable shaped carpet bag...

 

..see what I mean?  Beautifully made by Marion G.  (Sorry this bag isn't included in the give-away).

 

Contest Details (please read carefully):

I will send the crafty good stuff  to 1 winner.  The draw is open to everyone.  If winner is overseas I will mark the package as a 'gift' so there will be no customs to pay. 

To enter all you have to do is comment on THIS PARTICULAR POST by:

• Telling us what are your crafty plans are for the next 6 months? For instance: what are you hoping to make, what skills are you hoping to learn or what are you planning to teach etc? I can't wait read your answers!

 

 SORRY, THIS DRAW IS NOW CLOSED.

 

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly select 1 winner in a weeks time: 12th July and announce them the following day-ish.  Good luck! 
2. I'll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
3. Sorry I can't notify winners, so please keep an eye for the winner announcement.  This is made easier for you if you subscribe to this blog so you don't have to keep checking back, although it's always great to have you pop-in for a read :0)
4. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
5. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

...and the winner of the Signed 'Style Stitches' and Leather Handles is...

...number 26!!!  Congrats to Carole Yu who said:

"I can't wait to see you on our airwaves, perhaps the next Brit transplant like Jamie Oliver? (assuming you take that as a huge compliment) I would love to see you demonstrate the different types of interfacing with suggestions as to when to use them, and showing how they are applied correctly. Thanks so much, love you here in Los Angeles. Come here and you'll be a star!!!"

 

Carole is the lucky winner of a signed! copy of Amy Butler's Style Sitches and...

 

 ...her choice of one of any (in stock) leather bag handles from my shop.

 

 

Congrats Carole, will you please get in touch with me (my email is at top right corner of this blog) so we can arrange getting the good stuff sent to you.

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions everyone. I have passed them onto my pubblisher for their considertation. I really appreacite your feedback!  :)

Suggest a bag making film and win Signed, 'In Stitches' and Leather Bag Handles!

Looks like I'll have to get myself to the manicure parlour and hairdresser. My amazing publisher is going to film yours truly doing some craft action. Hoo hoo! 

Yeah, as you might already know in May I'm hopping across the pond.   Part of the USA trip involves meeting the craft team of my publisher's parent company AND doing some filming in their filming suite - very cool hey?  I'm crapping myself, but at the same time I can't wait!  They want to film me demonstrating certain bag making techniques.  This is where you come in.  I'm giving you the power to decide what I should be filmed doing - I'm your crafting puppet. Hahaaaaaa!  It makes sense for us to film what you want to watch rather than us filming something in the hope you'll want to watch it. :)

 

Some info about the vids (please bear this in mind when you suggest):

• The vids will be 30-60 mins long.
• They'll be bag making focused.
• They can show anything that I've already blogged or written about or they can be something new that (bag making wise) I've not yet covered. 
• The vids will have a practical element. They will show me demonstrating a technique/making a bag rather than giving a talk or discussing something.

Is there anything that you'd like to see explained in moving picture and spoken word? I can't guarantee that you'll like the sound of my voice, but I've been told I have a clear Queen's English accent :)

Let us know what bag making vids you'd like to see and you could win the stuff below...

Get your mitts on a brand new SIGNED!!! copy of Amy Butler's Style Sitches and...

...your choice of one of any (in stock) leather bag handles from my shop.

 

 

Contest Details (please read carefully)

I will send a signed copy of Style Stitches and the leather bag handle/s to 1 winner.  The draw is open to everyone.  If the winner is overseas I will mark the package as a 'gift' so there will be no customs to pay. 

To enter all you have to do is comment on THIS PARTICULAR POST by:

• Letting me know what bag making tecniques or bags you'd like to see me doing/making in a film. Please refer to the Vid Info in this blog post before you suggest.
• Suggest as many times as you like. Thanks for your help!
  

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly select 1 winner in 3 days time: 2nd March and announce them the following day-ish.  Good luck! 
2. I'll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
3. Sorry I can't notify winners, so please keep an eye for the winner announcement.  This is made easier for you if you subscribe to this blog so you don't have to keep checking back, although it's always great to have you pop-in for a read :0)
4. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
5. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

 

...and the winner of the Happy Go Luck fabric is...

...number 109!!!  Congrats to Karyn Liza who said:

"Hi, my fav designer is Rosalie Quinlan, love her fabric range. Also Amy Butler and Kate Spain and Anna Maria Horner. So many to choose from and so little time!!"

Karyn Liza has won this fabric!  Woo!

 

Congrats Karyn Liza, will you please get in touch with me (my email is at top right corner of this blog) so we can arrange getting the good stuff sent to you.

Thanks for all of your entries everyone. It was great finding out about your fabric designer heroes and learning about some new ones too :)

Entire 'Happy Go Lucky' Fabric Collection up for grabs!

Yep this whole collection of fabrics could be all yourssss, preciousss.

It's all new fabric and I'm giving it away simply because you might have more time (than I do) to make it into pretty things.  For me, this year is going to be (is already) very busy in new and exciting ways. Sadly in order to follow those new paths one of the things that gets sacrificed first is my 'sewing for fun' time. It's either that or my social media time, but there's no way I'm giving that up because I LOVE to stay in touch with you guys.  Never mind, there's always a whole heap of sewing to do for my design work so I'm never far away from my sewing machine.

These fabrics are actually a new collection designed by Nel Whatmore for Westminster Fibers.  Nel kindly sent me these samples for me so I could select some for use in the new book.  So I've chosen 2 designs and now the whole collection is yours fer the takin'!

 

Click on the pic to enlarge:

Up for grabs is is Nel's entire Happy Go Lucky fabric collection - pictured above.

It consists of: 25 pieces each measuring: 10in x 8in (25 1/2cm x 20 1/2cm). That's a decent stash!

They'd be fab for little pouches, quilting, bunting, corsages, fabric letters, you name it.

 

 

Contest Details (please read carefully):

I will send all the fabric to 1 winner.  The draw is open to everyone.  If winner is overseas I will mark the package as a 'gift' so there will be no customs to pay. 

To enter all you have to do is comment on THIS PARTICULAR POST by:

• Telling us: who are your hippity, hot and happening fabric designers and why? 
  

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly select 1 winner in a weeks time: 11th Feb and announce them the following day-ish.  Good luck! 
2. I'll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
3. Sorry I can't notify winners, so please keep an eye for the winner announcement.  This is made easier for you if you subscribe to this blog so you don't have to keep checking back, although it's always great to have you pop-in for a read :0)
4. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
5. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

Janome Design a Bag Competition. Win the bag and win a Sewing Machine!

Did you know that I love my job?  I'm sure I've mentioned that to you before :) 

Janome, David & Charles and U-Handbag have all gotten togther to create this uber-cool competition which was launched by Janome at Clothes Show Live 2010.   OPEN TO UK RESIDENTS ONLY PLEASE.

 

 

Before I delve into juicy details (of what you can win!!!!)  check out the competition promo material...

Click on images to enlarge.

Looky-look!  Doesn't the poster look really professh!  This poster shows what folks can win.  As you can see, the winner will get their bag design made up by yours truly and the pattern will be on sale in the shop (with credit to the designer - of course).  They will also win a swanky new sewing machine and a signed copy of The BMB. Like wow I think I might enter - haha!

 

 

Yep I'm da queen - haha!  Love it!

 

 

 

 

Competition details:

• Competition open to UK residents only please.
• Closing date 1st March 2011.
• All rules and instructions are included in the entry form (see below for entry form).
• The competition is hosted by Janome - not me. All entries need to be sent to Janome please.
• Please got the Janome UK Website for the downloadable entry form and address to post entries to.

 

There's loads of time left to dream-up your bag design ideas and get then sent in to Janome.  I'll be sure to remind you of the competition several times before the closing date.  Ohhhh! I can't what so see what you folks come up with!

...and the winner of Amy's Soul Blossoms fabric is...

Blimey Missus!  Loads of entries for the Amy Butler Soul Blossoms loot - can't say I'm suprised tho  :)

 

Up for grabs was this Amy Butler Soul Blossoms fabric. Plus 2 of her latest sewing patterns.  Mmmm!

 

And comment number 67 is....

Dawn, who said:

"A red patent leather going out bag, but I'm bottom of the list :-("

Congrats Dawn, will you please get in touch with me (my email is at top right corner of this blog) so we can arrange getting the good stuff sent to you.

Thanks for all of your entries everyone.  I know I'm a fine one to talk, but we should to sew for ourselves every now again.  :)